Piyush Chawla shocks cricket world with sudden retirement announcement

Veteran Indian leg-spinner Piyush Chawla has called time on his illustrious career, marking the end of a remarkable two-decade journey on Friday, June 6. Sharing a series of memorable pictures from his cricketing journey on Instagram, Piyush Chawla announced his retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket.

The 35-year-old bowler, who played a pivotal role in India’s iconic 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup triumphs, thanked everyone for their support and love throughout his beautiful journey as a cricketer. He also won multiple IPL titles in his career.

Piyush Chawla announces retirement from all forms of the game

In his emotional post, Piyush Chawla posted on Instagram: “After more than two decades on the field, the time has come to bid adieu to the beautiful game. From representing India at the highest level to being part of the victorious 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup squads, every moment in this incredible journey has been nothing short of a blessing. These memories will forever remain etched in my heart.”

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Chawla, who was among the most successful Indian spinners in IPL history, expressed gratitude to his IPL franchises that he represented throughout his career, including Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians, for their trust and support throughout his journey.

He added, “A heartfelt thank you to the IPL franchises who placed their trust in me—Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians. The Indian Premier League has been a truly special chapter in my career, and I have cherished every moment playing in it.”

Piyush Chawla pays tribute to the BCCI, coaches and family for their support

In his farewell note, Chawla also paid tribute to his coaches, Shri K.K. Gautam and the late Shri Pankaj Saraswat, for nurturing and shaping him into the cricketer he became. He also thanked his family, calling them an eternal pillar of strength. The spinner said that their unwavering support has been his foundation through all the highs and lows during his career.

Paying special tribute to his father, the spinner said, “A special mention to my late father, whose belief in me lit the path I walked. Without him, this journey would never have been possible.”

Furthermore, Chawla thanked the BCCI, Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), and the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) for providing him with the platform and opportunities to evolve and express himself as a cricketer at the highest level.

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Piyush Chawla looks forward to embarking on a new journey

Chawla signed off by saying, “Today is a deeply emotional day for me as I officially announce my retirement from all forms of international and domestic cricket. Though I step away from the crease, cricket will always live within me. I now look forward to embarking on a new journey, carrying with me the spirit and lessons of this beautiful game.”

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A post shared by Piyush Chawla (@piyushchawla_official_)

Notably, Chawla represented India in 3 Tests, 25 ODIs, and 7 T20Is and scalped 7, 32, and 4 wickets, respectively. He has been a giant in the domestic circuit, taking 446 wickets in 137 first-class matches, 254 wickets in 164 List-A matches, and 319 wickets in 297 T20s.

He was also a handy batter, scoring 5486 first-class runs, 1950 List-A runs, and 1565 T20 runs in his career. The leg-spinner is the third all-time highest wicket taker in IPL history with 192 scalps in 192 matches. Chawla won the IPL titles with CSK, KRR, and MI.